Although most of us think of men like Jerry Jones or Mark Cuban when it comes to sports teams, it’s a fact the there are some pretty powerful women who run some of the top franchises in the world. We may not have seen a woman President yet, but these ladies have shown to be quite successful at being at the top of the class. Here are the top women executives in sports.
5. Jean Afterman – Senior VP and Assistant GM, New York Yankees
After paying her dues as a master negotiator from her lawyer days, Jean Afterman was tabbed by the late George Steinbrenner as the New York Yankees assistant GM in 2001, and has held the post ever since. She has talked many players into donning pinstripes, with a major influence and focus on international free agents like Hideki Matsui in 2003 and, more recently, pitcher Masahiro Tanaka.
4. Virginia Halas McCaskey – Owner, Chicago Bears
The daughter of iconic Bears owner and coach George Halas, Virginia has kept the franchise in the family by inheriting the team back in 1983. Since then, the Bears have won one Super Bowl, participated in another and renovated their stadium. She has stepped back a bit in the past 15 years, but, at 91, is the oldest living owner in the NFL, as well as the longest tenured female sports owner.
3. Nancy Leiberman – NBA D-League Coach and Assistant GM
After a successful playing career that saw her inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996, Lieberman transitioned into a management position with the WNBA’s Detroit Shock and later becoming an analyst for ESPN. But in 2009, she earned the head coaching gig for the Texas Legends—the D-League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks—holding the position until 2011 and becoming the first female to coach a men’s, affiliated pro hoops team. Nancy now serves as an assistant GM for the team.
2. Lesa France Kennedy – CEO, International Speedway Corp.
Her grandfather was the head of NASCAR for nearly 30 years, so it’s safe to say that Lesa France Kennedy has had some experience in the sport. Serving as both CEO of International Speedway Corp. and an active member of NASCAR’s Board of Directors, Lesa has tremendous power and influence in growing racing.
1. Jeanie Buss – Executive Vice President, L.A. Lakers
One of the most respected executives in the NBA, Jeanie Buss may have inherited her role thanks to her late father, Dr. Jerry Buss, who was the Lakers owner from 1979 until his death late last year, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t qualified. In fact, many believe that Jeanie, not her brother Jim, should be the one calling the shots for the Lakers these days.
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